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DRDO Successfully Conducts First Flight Trials of Stratospheric Airship Platform in Madhya Pradesh.

Science and Technology | Dated: 07 May 2025

In May 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Research and Development (R&D) wing of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), successfully carried out the maiden flight-trials of a Stratospheric Airship Platform from the Sheopur Trial Site in Madhya Pradesh (MP) to enhance India’s Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The unmanned Stratospheric Airship Platform, developed by the Agra (Uttar Pradesh, UP)-based Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), was launched carrying an instrumental payload to an altitude of approximately 17 kilometers (km).
  • - The maiden trial of the Stratospheric Airship Platform lasted approximately 62 minutes, during which key onboard systems were evaluated. Data collected from the onboard sensors will aid in developing high-fidelity simulation models for future high-altitude airship missions. Additionally, critical systems such as the envelope pressure control and emergency deflation mechanisms were deployed mid-flight to assess their performance.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The Stratospheric Airship Platform functions as a High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), designed to operate at altitudes between 17 km and 22 km above the Earth for extended durations. It uses Helium for lift and is powered by solar energy, with onboard batteries enabling continuous operation during night-time.
  • (ii) Unlike conventional satellites or aircraft, the platform can remain stationary over a designated area for days or even weeks, providing persistent surveillance and communication support. Its ability to carry imaging sensors, radar systems, or telecommunication payloads makes it highly effective for border monitoring, disaster response, and wide-area intelligence operations.
  • (iii) The platform bridges a critical gap between drones and satellites, combining the extended reach of space-based systems with the advantages of faster deployment, reduced operational costs, and enhanced flexibility.The platform bridges a critical gap between drones and satellites, combining the extended reach of space-based systems with the advantages of faster deployment, reduced operational costs, and enhanced flexibility.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

DRDO recently conducted the maiden flight-trials of the Stratospheric Airship Platform in which Indian state?

Correct Answer: Madhya Pradesh

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

  • Chairman : Dr Samir Venkatapathy Kamat
  • Headquarters: New Delhi